Dog Dentist Caloundra
Modern, professional and affordable health care for your dog. We use a caring and gentle approach to put your pup at ease.
Dental Care for Dogs
Just like humans, dogs’ teeth need looking after too! The health of their teeth and gums has a significant impact on their overall quality of life.
Common Signs of Dental Disease in Dogs
Yellow-brown tartar around the gum line
Inflamed, red gums
Bad breath
Excessive Drooling
It’s estimated that up to 80% of dogs suffer from some form of dental disease by the age of three. If your dog is showing any of these signs of dental disease please book an appointment to see one of our veterinarians. Early assessment and action can save your pet’s teeth!
Did you know?
Some Animals With Dental Disease May Show No Obvious Signs
Especially, in the early stages. It’s also important to remember that just because your pet is eating, it doesn’t mean they do not have dental pain.
Your pet will need to be assessed by one of our veterinarians. The degree of dental disease will be assessed to determine what type of treatment is required.
What a Professional Dental Clean Involves
1. Before Consult
It is similar to a scale and polish done by a dentist for us, however, unlike us, our pets won’t sit still or open their mouth to allow a comprehensive examination or cleaning of their teeth.
For this reason, our pets need to have a general anaesthetic for a professional dental assessment and clean.
The assessment will include a physical exam and possibly blood and urine tests
to ensure they are healthy prior to having an anaesthetic.
2. During Consult
Once anaesthetised, we can give the teeth a thorough cleaning using our specialised dental equipment.
3. After Consult
When your pet goes home we will also discuss methods of reducing dental disease in the future.
If you have any questions about dental care or professional cleaning please do not hesitate to contact us.
Dental Surgery for Dogs
Dental disease typically begins with a build-up of plaque, consisting of bacteria, food particles and saliva components, on the teeth.
Dental surgery is a solution for long term, untreated dental disease.
Calm Visits With Our Fear Free Approach
At our veterinary clinic, you’ll be fully supported with sound advice for your dog.
As part of our service, we help you understand the health care and treatment options available to your canine, even those that can be implemented before or after your visit to calm your pet. Ask our team about this today!
With good advice and professional recommendations, you’ll be well equipped to make the best health care decisions for your pet.
What to Expect from Our Clinic
Prompt Service
We have a range of methods and practices that we can use to ensure your pet has an anxiety free visit to our clinic. Enquire about these with our team.
Fear Free Approach
We have a range of methods and practices that we can use to ensure your pet has an anxiety free visit to our clinic. Enquire about these with our team.
Caring Staff
We have a range of methods and practices that we can use to ensure your pet has an anxiety free visit to our clinic. Enquire about these with our team.
Periodontal Disease in Dogs
Plaque sticks to the tooth surface above and below the gum line and if not removed will calcify into tartar (also known as calculus). This appears as a yellow-brown material on the teeth.
Over time the plaque and tartar can result in periodontal disease, which results can result in irreversible changes to the teeth and supportive structures.
Periodontal disease can result in local problems, such as red and inflamed gums, bad breath, and the loss of teeth. There is also growing evidence that periodontal disease can be associated with disease in distant organs, including the heart, liver and kidneys.
Ultimately, dental disease is more than just a cosmetic issue – it can be a cause of significant illness and pain in dogs.
How to Prevent Dog Dental Disease
Long-term control and prevention of dental disease requires regular home care. The best way to begin this is to acclimatise your pet from a young age. Dental home care may include:
Brushing Teeth Daily
Just like us! This is the best form of dental hygiene. Pet toothbrushes and toothpaste are now available. Please do not use human toothpaste formulas as they are not designed to be swallowed and may be toxic to your pet.
Teeth Friendly Chews and Toys
Use dental toys, enzymatic chews, or teeth cleaning biscuits, all of which may help keep the teeth clean.
Special Dental Diets
Feed pets special dental diets. This can help reduce the accumulation of tartar. As with most things in life, when it comes to dental disease, prevention is definitely better than cure. Regular and frequent attention to your pet’s teeth may avoid the need for a professional dental clean under anaesthetic, and will also improve your pet’s overall health.
Common Questions About Dog Dentistry
How do I know if my dog has dental disease?
- Bad breath.
- Yellow or brown tartar build-up on teeth.
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums.
- Difficulty eating or chewing. Loose or missing teeth.
- Pawing at the mouth or excessive drooling.
What can dogs eat after dental surgery?
How much is dog dental surgery?
Can I remove plaque from my dog's teeth without a dentist?
You can reduce plaque buildup by:
- Regularly brushing your dog’s teeth with pet-safe toothpaste.
- Providing dental chews or toys designed to clean teeth.
- Using water additives or oral sprays approved for dental health.
However, professional dental cleanings are the most effective way to remove plaque and tartar.
